Europe has dominated the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf in recent years and 2017 should be no exception. The improving Masar (#6, 9/2) looks to be the best of a large contingent of Euros in this year’s race. He is proven to be effective going one mile and appears to favor firm turf, which he will get on Friday. He was one of the first Europeans to arrive and has looked great over the turf course since arriving.
Mendelssohn (#1, 8-1) may offer the same class as Masar at a better price. The $3.3 million half-brother to Beholder is bred to handle a mile and did just that in his second career start. He moved way up in his last start with the addition of blinkers and figures to work out a nice trip from the rail.
James Garfield (#7, 6-1) has done little wrong in his career and is proven on a left-handed course and on firm ground. He was game in victory last time out, but unlike the first two selections, he must prove he can handle a mile.
Catholic Boy (#4, 12-1) has made a strong appearance since arriving in California and may prove to be the best of the Americans. He won nicely going the tricky distance of 7 1/2 furlongs on debut before blowing by the field late at Saratoga in the With Anticipation. Hard to say what his ceiling is, but at 12-1 it is worth finding out.
Other exotic possibilities include: Untamed Domain (#2, 8-1), who is undefeated with blinkers, Hemp Hemp Hurray (#12, 8-1), who will likely set the early pace and Snapper Sinclair (#11, 15-1), who is undefeated in two turf starts.
Wagering Strategy
$1 Exacta Box (1,6,7)
$1 Exacta Box (1,4,6)
$0.50 Trifecta (1/ 6 / 1,/6 / 2 4,7,8,11,12)
$0.50 Trifecta (1,6 / 2,4,7,8,11,12 / 1,6)
Total: $24
-Padraic Manocchio
@xbtvpadraic
